Proven Leadership for BC's Economy

Proven Leadership for BC’s Economy

www.bcliberals.com Index

Premier’s Message 1

Six Pillars for a Strong BC 2

Our Open Platform process 3

Strong leadership and stable government 4

Living within our means 5

Lowering costs on our economy 10

Improving and protecting vital public services 16

Investing in jobs and infrastructure 32

Building on our strategic advantages 37

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Premier’s Message

This is the most critical election in living memory. Now more than ever, we need stability.

Building on our strength On May 12th, British Columbians will decide who they want to represent them in the Legislature and as government. It’s a crucial election that will determine who will manage our economy and lead BC through these turbulent economic times. Although we’re not immune from the global recession, we are in much better shape than most other places. We’ve built a strong foundation and we will get a major boost when we host the Olympics and by our new stature as one of Canada’s leading economies. That confidence is built on stability and a record of performance. The Conference Board of Canada predicts that British Columbia will lead the nation in economic growth next year if British Columbians continue to have confidence in one another, in our wealth of human talent and in all that our province has to offer. Together we will continue to open Canada’s Pacific Gateway and to attract The key new investment and jobs to every region of our province. We can forge a new relationship with First Nations, lead the way on climate action, and to a strong create new opportunities for growth in clean energy, forestry, mining, small economy business, tourism, technology and every sector of our economy. is confidence, A strong economy allows us to increase funding for crucial public services leadership like healthcare, education, social housing and public safety. We maintain and vision. our economic strength by living within our means and maintaining low taxes, and prudently managing taxpayers’ money. That’s what our plan and We’ve made real progress over the last eight years, but there is more work to be done. I invite you to review our Platform and our record at this election www.bcliberals.com. On May 12th, we need to re-elect a proven team is all about. to keep BC strong. I need your help. Premier Gordon Campbell

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

Strong leadership and 1 stable government 2 Living within our means 3 Lowering costs on our economy Improving and protecting vital 4 public services 5 Investing in jobs and infrastructure 6 Building on our strategic advantages

In 2005, we adopted Five Great Nations, the federal government and Confidence and stability are critical Goals for the next decade and other governments. And we were to our economic strength and beyond. We aspired to be the determined to tackle the challenges prosperity. This Platform outlines best in health, education, support of global warming, homelessness, Six Pillars for a Strong BC that services, environmental stewardship and the inequities that have will continue to build confidence, and job creation. We sought to disadvantaged Aboriginal people. that will attract new investment, build new partnerships with First create new jobs and generate the Those goals continue to guide our opportunities and revenue we need government and we are making to achieve our great goals. progress, as you can see at www.gov.bc.ca. Dozens of specific Our Platform builds on the strong strategies are readily available at foundation we have created www.gov.bc.ca/govt/government_ together to help our province realize plans_and_strategies.html. its full potential and make the most As we reach towards that vision, of its advantages, for our families the strength of our economy and and our communities. Our goals our ability to fund those priorities are clear and our way forward is all comes down to one word: working. This Platform highlights our CONFIDENCE. plan for new progress.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Our Open Platform Share your ideas. Make your process voice heard. Help us build upon BC’s strengths Elections are a time for parties to lay out their plan for the future of the province. But plans are created by people sharing their ideas and being clear about their Since launching Open Platform, we’ve had over priorities for their province. Last fall, we launched 1,500 submissions from the public. We’ve heard Open Platform to give all British Columbians a new from thousands of British Columbians in communities forum to share their views on the issues facing our across the province. Our “digital bus” has visited cities, province, their input on the progress we are making universities and colleges across BC. We are engaging together and the path they would choose to the future. young adults who are more informed and connected than any generation in history because this is their future we are talking about.

We’ve received lots of positive suggestions. Many are reflected in this booklet and in the policies initiated by government. British Columbians are confident about their future and they are ready to lead in tackling the issues of our times. They are concerned about their jobs and financial security in the face of the global recession, but they know there is no place on Earth that Open Platform is your chance to help shape our policies offers more promise for them than British Columbia. during and beyond this election; and it’s just one part of our ongoing dialogue with British Columbians and our Most citizens understand there is a limit to what we can evolving action plan to address your priorities and help afford to fund with their tax dollars. They don’t want to keep BC strong. see their money wasted and they don’t want any party to try to buy their votes with expensive, unaffordable election promises. This Platform is a responsible program for steady progress and prudent management of your tax dollars.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

Strong leadership and 1 stable government

Confidence in our economy starts hard-earned capital to create or with the knowledge that government expand any business, you need to will work with the private sector – know that your government will be Our economy is precious, not against it – to encourage there as an ally, to help maximize but fragile. This is not the investment and create new jobs. your opportunities for growth. That time for risky experiments This election, voters will decide who creates confidence for consumers, or on-the-job training. will provide the strongest leadership for investors, and for BC families. for our economy and build on the More importantly, it creates jobs. Now more than ever, we confidence we’ve created in BC need a steady hand at the over the past eight years. Uncertainty and instability top. We need to re-elect have the opposite effect. They You need to know that when you undermine confidence, drive Premier Campbell’s BC work hard, you can get ahead. away investment and put people Liberal Government. Businesses need to know they will out of work. be able to successfully compete on a level playing field that welcomes During these turbulent economic times, our economy can ill investment and rewards risk-taking. inexperienced NDP government. afford higher taxes, higher costs If you’re thinking of risking your The Opposition’s reckless and and more uncertainty under an irresponsible policies and promises will kill confidence and will put our province in an even weaker position than it was in the 1990’s. This election is critical to In today’s circumstances, our our economy and to the economy needs an experienced future of our province. team with practical solutions that work. That’s what our team and our plan is all about.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

2 Living within our means

Families know that when finances severe than any of the experts get tight, it gets tougher to pay the Responsibly projected. We have to be bills. The last thing they want to do managing your conservative in our forecasts, in is rack up new debt on the credit case revenues fall more quickly, or card for luxury items that they really tax dollars for a longer period, than anticipated. can’t afford. They have to carefully It’s a complex job putting together manage their budgets and only pay a three-year budget that balances for what they need, so that they can $41 billion worth of revenue and continue to make ends meet today expenditures, backed up by a and in the future. detailed business plan for every ministry. But our record shows that we have the competent team and credible plan to get it right. That’s why BC has the best credit rating in the country. British Columbians have worked too hard to get their government’s fiscal house in order to see that Annual BC real GDP growth forecast, % squandered by reckless spending 4.5

and runaway deficits. We’ve laid out 4.0 BC EFC, July 2008 a detailed budget www.bcbudget. BC EFC, Jan 2009 gov.bc.ca/2009/ to carefully 3.5 Ministry of Finance Budget 2009 control spending. While investing 3.0 more on core services, it reduces spending on less critical priorities. 2.5 2.0 Our budget calls for overall average annual spending growth of 2.2 1.5

per cent over the next three years*. 1.0 It’s no different for government. With our economy predicted to After all, there is no such thing as contract by about 0.9 per cent this 0.5

“government money.” There is only year, and little or no inflation, that’s 0.0 your tax dollars. As hard as it is still a sizeable increase. We think it sometimes to curb spending, we pushes the limit of affordability for -0.5 have to live within our means, so that taxpayers and small businesses -1.0 we can continue to pay for important throughout the province. 2008 2009 2010 2011-13 public services without having to Source: Average of Economic Forecast Council raise taxes or leave a burden of debt This is a volatile time for global (EFC) forecasts, BC Ministry of Finance. markets that has been far more Note: Forecast from July 2008 EFC for 2010 to our children. and 2011-2013 is the average growth for the years 2010-2012 * [excluding spending related to the new provincial administration of the Labour Market Development program that was previously administered by the federal government.]

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 2. Living within our means (continued)

Our plan saves taxpayers $1.9 billion

The global economic downturn and falling commodity prices have “Fuelled by the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games caused significant drops in and positive growth in the battered forestry and provincial revenues that have made it tougher for government to live manufacturing industries, the province will get within its means. To address that back on its feet next year. Real GDP will turn around challenge, we have looked at every from a 0.1 per cent drop this year to a nation-leading facet of government to determine 4.3 per cent gain in 2010.” where savings could be found without compromising core services. The Conference Board of Canada Our Platform calls for $1.9 billion in government savings and a return to balanced budgets in the next three years while keeping your taxes low. $1.9 billion in Government Savings They include: 2009/10 compared to 2008/09

Travel -22% 76 per cent reduction in government advertising Contracted professional services -23% 22 per cent cut in government travel costs Office & business expenses -8% 23 per cent less

for contracted Advertising -76% professional services

Operating equipment 20 per cent fewer & vehicles -9% senior executives in government Discretionary grants -7% Reductions in -80 -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 0-10 discretionary grants % government savings and office expenses Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12 Modest budget reductions for 11 of 20 ministries A BC Liberal Government will continue to find new savings and new value for every tax dollar through public-private partnerships, investments in Holding the line on “green buildings” that reduce life-cycle operating costs, and more efficient public sector wage delivery of government services. It will also work with municipalities to help increases lower their costs and alleviate growing pressures on property taxpayers, without provincial “offloading.”

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 2. Living within our means (continued)

Our plan targets spending where it’s needed: health, education and helping workers

As we seek to minimize avoidable cost increases, we also need to • Over 90 per cent of all new government make the most of every tax dollar available for government services. spending in the next three years will go to Even with the savings above, the increases for healthcare overall cost of government will go up by $2.8 billion over the next three years. • An additional $4.8 billion for healthcare over three years

• Record high funding for K-12 education and post-secondary education

• Over $800 million in additional annual funding for education by 2011/12

• Over $300 million in extra funding over three years for vital social services

• More funding for child care subsidies, services for children and families with special needs, and supports for adults with developmental disabilities

• More funding for policing and victims services

• New investments in social housing and new housing for seniors

• Major new funding commitments to support forest workers, miners and others who have been especially hard-hit by the global economic crisis

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 2. Living within our means (continued)

Economic growth Operating debt cut in half flows from prudent Surplus/(deficit) $ millions fiscal management 5000 4000

3000 “The anticipated deficits, relative to Balanced budget by 2011/2012 consolidated revenues, are small when 2000 compared to those recorded in the late 1990s and early years of the current 1000 decade... We also believe that British 0

Columbia, with its recent track record (-1000) Two years of outperforming budget targets, has of deficits the discipline necessary to ensure that (-2000) deficits arising from the economic (-3000) downturn remain cyclical and do not (-4000) become structural.” 01/02 02/02 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12

Moody’s Investor Services Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12

We have cut ‘operating debt’ nearly in half. That debt Taxpayer-supported debt reduced was accumulated over eight successive operating deficits in the 1990s and from the structural deficit that Taxpayer-suported debt to GDP ratio, per cent the NDP left behind. It’s dead-weight debt from chronic 25 overspending that weakened our economy and our ability to deliver top quality services. We owe it to our

20 children to reject that approach. We must responsibly manage taxpayers’ money to protect the services and supports we have today for future generations. 15 Our Platform calls for 100 per cent of all future surpluses to be used first to eliminate the operating 10 debt. It also ensures that taxpayer-supported debt does not rise to levels that would jeopardize our province’s 01/02 02/02 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07* 07/08 08/09 hard-won Triple-A credit rating. *Moody’s upgraded the Province’s credit rating to AAA on October 5th, 2008. Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12 and 2008 British Columbia Financial and Economic Review, July 2008 British Columbia and Alberta are the only provinces that currently enjoy that top credit rating. That has meant lower interest rates, lower borrowing costs and Through prudent fiscal management, and growing new savings that have been used to fund services for revenues fueled by our strong economy, we have people, instead of paying interest to banks and lenders. dramatically reduced the burden of “taxpayer-supported debt” – or debt that can only be repaid by taxpayers.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 2. Living within our means (continued)

Government should balance $6.6 billion decline in revenues Three year change in projected revenue since the first Quarterly Report ($ billions) its budget 0.5

Despite all of these efforts, the 0.0 global recession has made a deficit in each of the next two -0.5 years unavoidable. The economic downturn has caused a $6.6 -1.0 billion reduction in revenue over last year’s fiscal plan. It’s simply -1.5 not possible to find savings large enough to offset that revenue -2.0 loss without unacceptable cuts to essential public services. We will -2.5 therefore incur a deficit of $495 million this year and $245 million -3.0 next year. However, we have also passed a law that requires the -3.5 budget to be balanced by 2011 and every year thereafter. No -4.0 Taxations Natural Other Federal Commercial ministry will be legally allowed to Resources Contributions* Crowns exceed its budget in any year, and every penny of future surpluses *Excludes $870M in funding for the Labour Market Development Agreement transfer must first go towards eliminating Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12 the operating debt.

“The fact is, under the NDP, we became a have-not province for the first time in our history. Does anyone really want to go back to those dismal days? We’ve had seven years of growth under the BC Liberals and that’s put us in very good shape to weather this storm. It’s all about leadership and competence and Gordon Campbell and his team have demonstrated both.”

Chuck van der Lee, President & CEO Rogers Retail

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

Lowering costs 3 on our economy

It’s no accident that our provincial economy has gone from being Tax Relief for BC Families one of the weakest in Canada to one of the strongest anywhere BC Tax BC Tax Taxable Reduction Reduction today. Our province is more Before 2001 After 2009 Income in BC Tax in BC Tax competitive and more attractive Tax Cuts Tax Cuts to new investment and job creation, because every year our government $20,000 $810 $205 $605 -75% has lowered costs on our economy. We have put more money back $60,000 $4,911 $3,091 $1,820 -37% in taxpayers’ pockets and reduced $100,000 $11,525 $7,418 $4,107 -36% costs on families and small businesses alike. Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2008/09 - 2010/11 Right now, as everyone struggles to make ends meet, lowering As the table above shows, the new added $200 saving on property costs is even more crucial. That tax reductions introduced last fall taxes for residents of the north and was the heart of the Premier’s mean that citizens earning $20,000 rural areas. It will help offset the economic strategy last Fall. It is a year will now pay 75 per cent added costs that northern and rural a central component of our less provincial income tax than they residents face with regard to the Platform. For more details on the did under the NDP, while middle revenue neutral carbon levy. The low government’s economic plan, see income earners will pay at least 37 income climate action tax credit of www.gov.bc.ca/economic_plan per cent less. The Opposition voted $100 per adult and $30 per child against virtually every one of these will also increase by five per cent tax reductions. on July 1, 2009. We have established new options to There are new savings and Reducing taxes allow people facing financial hardship incentives to promote energy on families to defer their property taxes. That efficiency, hefty rebates for old can save homeowners thousands vehicles, and sales tax exemptions Income tax cuts increase your take- of dollars in the next two years when on fuel efficient vehicles that can home pay. They are critical to our they need their money most. All save people thousands of dollars vision of lowering your costs. British British Columbians received a $100 on new cars and trucks. We have Columbians now have the lowest climate action dividend last year. acted to protect families’ RRSPs personal income taxes in Canada at As well, they received an accelerated from creditors and created new every income level up to $116,000. five per cent income tax reduction. security for deposits in credit unions. We have eliminated provincial But the plan recognizes that Next year, we will introduce income taxes altogether for anyone one-size-fits-all solutions don’t a new voluntary, defined earning under $17,775 – a major work in a province the size of BC. contribution pension plan for all benefit. It means 250,000 additional citizens who currently lack that citizens with the lowest incomes pay A new Northern and Rural option and want to participate zero in provincial income tax. Homeowner benefit provides an in a private pension plan.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 3. Lowering costs on our economy (continued)

Reducing taxes New tax cuts for BC businesses on business Our Platform provides additional tax relief to attract and expand We all know why businesses, businesses in British Columbia. Here are just a handful of new tax workers and investment fled BC in cuts that were introduced in the Premier’s economic plan and in the 1990s. Under the NDP, taxes the Budget this year: were sky-high and investment was discouraged. Businesses faced a crisis of confidence. Since 2001, we’ve turned that around, with over • 44 per cent reduction in small business 120 tax cuts for individuals and income taxes in 2008 businesses. The Opposition fought them all. • Reduction in general corporate income tax rate to the lowest rate in Canada by 2011

• New Industrial Property Tax Credit of 50 per cent of provincial school property tax payable by light and heavy industries

• Extended BC Mining Flow-through Share Small business is our economy’s Tax Credit backbone. You don’t build confidence by ignoring their advice. You build it by listening to them, • Extended film tax credits and expanded learning from them and working with eligibility for Film Incentive BC tax credit them. That’s what the BC Liberal government will continue to do.

The NDP voted against our A BC Liberal Government will continue to reduce taxes as revenues reductions to income tax rates for allow. We will continue to use every penny of revenue collected from the small businesses and corporations. carbon emissions tax to reduce taxes. We will reduce the small They voted against the elimination business income tax to the lowest rate in Canada by April 1, 2012, of the corporate capital tax, the and raise the small business income threshold to $500,000 on removal of sales tax on machinery January 1, 2010. We will also double the BC Training Tax Credit, and equipment, and training tax effective July 1, 2009. credits for employers and employees. They said “no” to doubling the threshold for small business income, which has enabled many more small businesses to qualify for lower tax rates.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 3. Lowering costs on our economy (continued)

Eliminating red tape and costly barriers to investment

Prince George Airport “Open Skies” means thousands of jobs for BC

It’s time to eliminate federal restrictions on international air travel and pursue “Open Skies” One of the most effective ways governments can help lower costs agreements that allow airlines to on business is by getting rid of costly red tape and unnecessary land at any airport that can handle regulations that also impose administrative costs on taxpayers. Premier their business. That will open up Campbell’s government has eliminated over 150,000 needless regulations our international airports to new since 2001. More will be done to streamline approval processes and direct flights from Asia, India and expedite investment and job creation at lower cost. Europe that are currently prohibited by Ottawa. This is a Streamlining approvals for key priority. investment and job creation Open Skies agreements will save travelers time and money by giving We will aggressively push for a “single window” process for environmental them more direct flight options to assessments and other necessary reviews requiring multiple government and from their destinations. They approvals. We need to speed up job creation in energy, mining and resort will also attract new growth in development with a single assessment for each project. Today, over tourism in places like Prince $1.6 billion worth of projects in BC have their provincial Environmental George, Kamloops, Terrace, Assessment Certificates, but are still awaiting federal approval. Comox, Nanaimo and Cranbrook. Open Skies will create hundreds Multiple assessments by multiple governments often replicate the same of millions of dollars in economic work. That adds time, cost and uncertainty to companies wanting to activity and thousands of jobs in invest. In short, it increases risk and reduces investment. We will eliminate every region of the province. The that duplication of effort through new reciprocal arrangements and major airport expansions we have equivalency agreements with the federal government and other provinces. undertaken in partnership with We will also push to replace the federal Navigable Water Protection Act the federal government create with a modern framework to properly protect our waterways without opportunities for international air undue costs or unnecessary jurisdictional overlaps. carriers and open our province to the world.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 3. Lowering costs on our economy (continued)

Leading Canada with open trade and labour mobility

Together with Alberta, British Columbia has led the removal of costly barriers to trade, investment and the free movement of skilled workers across Canada. The new Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) with Alberta has created the second largest economy in Canada, with a combined market of over 7.7 million people. That will add $5 billion in new economic growth and 78,000 new jobs to our province. Under TILMA, businesses registered in one province are automatically recognized by the other. By harmonizing our standards and regulations, and eliminating costly Drive the Coquihalla administrative overlaps, we are saving businesses time and money. We are creating a larger market for for free businesses to grow without trade barriers. The recent removal of tolls on the Coquihalla Highway British Columbia recently became the first province will reduce travel costs by about $230 million over to legislate free labour mobility for skilled workers the next four years. A typical commercial truck making across Canada. Under the new Agreement on Internal even one round trip per week will save $4,800 a year, Trade (AIT), all doctors, nurses, teachers and other while anyone who frequently travels over the Coquihalla professionals who are recognized in other provinces will save hundreds. will soon be free to practice anywhere in Canada. New investment in roads, bridges, airports, borders, A BC Liberal Government will continue to implement the ports, ferries, rail and both public and rapid transit will TILMA and the AIT. It will build a new Western Economic result in significant savings from reduced travel times Partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan to create an and lower fuel costs. Congestion currently costs our even broader open trade agreement this year. That will economy over $1.5 billion annually. By reducing make the West an even greater economic powerhouse congestion, we reduce travel times and increase family that will drive Canada’s economy into the 21st century. time, while we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and For more details, check out www.gov.bc.ca/tted air pollution.

“I can’t imagine gambling on the future of this province with inexperienced leadership, particularly right now when there’s so much to be done. Premier Campbell’s taken this province from worst to first, that’s got to count for something. He knows what needs to be done and he knows how to get us back on the road to prosperity again.”

Jack Davidson, President, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 3. Lowering costs on our economy (continued)

Reducing global • First province in Canada to legislate hard warming’s targets for greenhouse gas emissions, including impact by a 33 per cent reduction by 2020 • First jurisdiction in North America to legally require creating jobs all government ministries, agencies and Crown and increasing corporations to be “carbon neutral”, by 2010 • First jurisdiction in North America to legislate investment a requirement for electricity self-sufficiency by 2016, with 50 per cent of all new demand for Eleven of the last 12 years were power to be met through conservation the warmest ever in BC since 1850. Climate change is already imposing • First jurisdiction in North America to legislate a harsh cost on our economy and a carbon emissions tax that also requires on our planet. Our glaciers and snow 100 per cent of all revenue collected on fossil fuel packs are rapidly melting. Our forests emissions to be returned to taxpayers through have been ravaged by the mountain other new tax cuts pine beetle, a direct result of warmer winters. Communities have been hit • First in Canada to join the Western Climate hard by devastating wildfires, record Initiative, which now includes 11 states and droughts, and severe winter storms, provinces that are committed to reducing floods and other weather events that greenhouse gas emissions through market-based have taken a heavy toll on public approaches which lower costs and open up trade resources and private property. • First in Canada to legislate a framework for introducing That is why Premier Campbell’s a regional or continental “cap and trade” system that Government has taken such strong will set hard caps on greenhouse gas emissions and leadership on climate action. Here mandatory requirements for future reductions are just a few BC “firsts” contained in our Climate Action Plan, the most • First in Canada to legislate requirements for aggressive plan to reduce green- capture of landfill gases, “zero routine” flaring in house gases in North America. natural gas production, capture and storage of Visit www.livesmartbc.ca/ produced water from coal gas extraction activities government/plan.html • First in Canada to create a provincial Crown agency for facilitating carbon trading and carbon offsets, through the Pacific Carbon Trust

“With its policy initiatives of the last two years, the BC government has become a world leader in combating climate change.”

Dr. Mark Jaccard, Professor of Resource and Environmental Management, SFU, and Lead Author for Sustainable Energy Policy in the Global Energy Assessment and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 3. Lowering costs on our economy (continued)

Dealing with the problems of climate change

As we act to arrest and reverse global warming, we must acknowledge that climate change will intensify as the greenhouse gas effect is compounded in years to come. If we learn to adapt to the current and future reality of global warming, and take steps to advance research and innovation, we will avoid higher costs later. As we do that, we will also find new solutions to help reduce our “carbon footprint”, lighten our impact on the environment and give British Columbia a competitive edge in the new green economy. That is why we have made a 10-year $100 million commitment to flood prevention activities that will raise and reinforce dykes along key rivers, and responsibly address gravel build-ups that are causing erosion and spring flooding.

Other major initiatives to adapt to climate change include the following:

• LiveSmartBC.ca – featuring new incentives, rebates, tax exemptions and extensive information to help individuals and businesses make green choices that save them money, at home, at work and on the road

• The new $94.5 million Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, involving UVic, UBC, SFU and UNBC, which will make British Columbia an even more important world leader in climate research and adaptation strategies

• $100 million commitment over four years for the Innovative Clean Energy Fund, which is investing in new clean energy technologies

• The new BC Bioenergy Network and Geoscience BC

• Seven new regional Citizen Conservation Councils to help build public literacy about steps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change

• Creation of the world’s largest cabled seafloor observatories (Projects Neptune and Venus) to monitor marine ecosystems, measure changes in our ocean chemistry relating to climate change, and provide early notice of earthquakes and tsunamis

• Creation of the Pacific Coast Collaborative, with California, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, to help focus on solutions for green growth, climate action and ocean health

• Creation of the International Climate Action Partnership, which British Columbia founded along with several other US states and countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Commission

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

Improving and protecting 4 vital public services

Health Spending 90 per cent of all $ Billions 18 new funding for government over the 17 next three years will

16 go to healthcare

15 healthcare system as the best in Canada. The year-long Conversation 14 on Health has led to many improvements in health delivery, 13 Total Spending including a constructive new relationship with doctors, nurses 12 and other health professionals that better serves patients’ needs. 11 We have the longest life expectancy 10 in Canada, the best cancer and cardiac care, and the most 9 generous Pharmacare system. 86% increase since 2000-2001 ActNowBC is widely recognized 8 as the most aggressive health promotion program in the country. 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12 and 2008 British Columbia Financial and Surgical wait times have been Economic Review, July 2008 dramatically reduced for hip and knee replacements and for cardiac three-year total funding increase of surgery. Compared to the year Increasing $4.8 billion. Health spending across 2000, the total number of annual investments in government will be $8 billion more surgeries is up 155 per cent for or 86 per cent higher in 2011/12 knee replacements and, up 70 healthcare than the NDP’s last full year in office. per cent for hip replacements. Diagnostics have similarly been As the chart shows, total annual We’ve made a lot of improvements improved with a 163 per cent funding for healthcare will continue in health delivery over the last eight more MRI scans and 86 per cent to soar over the next three years, years www.gov.bc.ca/yourbc/pa- more CT scans last year as by over 16 per cent. The Ministry tients. The Conference Board of compared to 2001. of Health Services alone will see a Canada rates British Columbia’s

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

construction today. We will Largest dramatically improve Kelowna investments General Hospital with a new Patient Care Tower, a new ever in new Cardiac Care Centre and a new medical school. The new BC hospitals and Children’s Hospital will be health facilities another major addition to the health care improvements we will provide to British Columbians. Access to emergency health Prince George Cancer Centre services has been substantially We will build the new Patient improved in many hospitals. We Care Tower at Vernon Jubilee attention. For families living in rural delivered on our commitments to Hospital; the new Fort St. John and remote communities it is build the new 300-bed Abbotsford Hospital and Residential especially hard. They have to travel Regional Hospital & Cancer Centre, Care Project; and the new long distances to get their child to the new Northern Medical School Northern Cancer Centre in the hospital and they also have to and expanded Prince George Prince George. More will be cope with additional expenses in Regional Hospital. We built the new done. The North Island and Metro travel and accommodation costs. Outpatient Hospital at Vancouver Vancouver still await the important A BC Liberal Government will General and completed major regional healthcare decisions that create a new program to provide expansions at East Kootenay must be made this year. Regional Hospital in Cranbrook; new travel and accommodation Kootenay Boundary Regional assistance to families who must Hospital in Trail; Royal Inland New support travel long distances to be with Hospital in Kamloops; Nanaimo their children when they are receiving Regional General Hospital; and for rural care. The new $13 million BC Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. Family Residence program and Northern will be launched this summer families to provide those families with new travel and accommodation There is nothing more traumatic for support, starting at BC Children’s a family than having a child who is Hospital and expanding in the seriously ill or in need of medical years ahead.

Surrey Memorial Hospital (artist’s rendering)

The BC Liberal Government has launched the largest health capital plan in the province’s history. A new critical care tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital; a new Surrey Outpatient Hospital; a new Royal Jubilee Hospital and a new emergency department in Victoria General Hospital are all under Kelowna General Hospital

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

More nurses. More doctors. More patient care.

A key part of our strategy to improve healthcare is to ensure we have the health professionals we need today and in the future. That is why Premier Campbell’s Government has doubled the number of medical spaces, with new medical schools in partnership with UBC at UNBC in Prince George and at the University of Victoria. The new medical school program will be ready to launch in Kelowna this September. It takes several years for doctors Association, that will create certainty, and nurses to complete their stability and constructive working training. We have only recently partnerships with government to begun to fully benefit from those improve patient care. new graduates, including 13,000 new registered nurses and 1200 new physicians. By contrast, the NDP did not create one new medical training space and actually eliminated 1,600 full-time nursing positions. University of Northern British Columbia image provided courtesy of the UNBC Our Platform will create new labour mobility to allow qualified We have also doubled the number doctors, nurses and other health of nurse training spaces since professionals from anywhere in 2001 and added 24 new nursing Canada to automatically be programs in post-secondary registered to practice in British institutes across BC. Plus we Columbia. It also expands training created the first ever Nurse through a new medical school in Practitioner training program in Kelowna. It will build on the new BC, and a new, three-year nursing labour agreements recently degree at BCIT to graduate more concluded with the BC Nurses nurses, faster. Union and with the BC Medical

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Innovation in health services

Innovation is critical to improving health delivery with funding increases that are sustainable for the long term. The new Medicare Protection Act obliges government to deliver health services in keeping with the five principles of the Canada Health Act and with the principle of sustainability. We are committed to improvements that embrace individual choice, personal responsibility, innovation, transparency and accountability. formally addressed, independently reviewed, and resolved. Other innovations include new funding mechanisms to pay health providers premiums for higher performance and to have patient- funding follow patients when they get treated by health authorities. New pilot programs have shown amazing results. A new surgical innovation program at St. Paul’s Hospital has allowed surgeons to nearly double their surgical cases For more on recent innovations for foot and ankle, and hand and in healthcare, check out For the first time ever, the new wrist injuries. It has resulted in www.gov.bc.ca/yourbc/patients Patient Care Quality Review much shorter surgical wait times, process gives patients a clear, thousands of more surgeries to consistent means to have their be performed each year, and healthcare service concerns significantly faster recovery times.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Promoting healthy living, sport and fitness

ActNowBC has garnered global praise for its success in promoting healthy living, nutrition and fitness. In partnership with 2010 Legacies Now, the Healthy Living Alliance and countless sports organizations across BC, we are helping British Columbians to improve their health and to live longer, more active lives.

We have launched a new 24/7 access to fresh fruit and vegetables. HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 hotline It will continue to create new and website so that all British Seniors Community Parks and Columbians can speak with a expand cycling paths and nurse about their symptoms in pedestrian walkways to create any one of over 130 languages. greener, healthier communities. It allows them to consult with a It will give all British Columbians British Columbia is leading the way pharmacist about their medication new electronic access to their with new investments in sports questions, or get healthy eating health records. And our plan facilities, like the new Northern advice from a dietitian. www. increases investments in chronic Sport Centre at UNBC in Prince healthlinkbc.ca/kbaltindex.asp disease and addiction prevention, George and the new Field House mental health and AIDS prevention at Thompson Rivers University in and treatment programs. Kamloops. We have led Canada Health advice you in banning junk food in vending can trust 24/7 The new mental health and machines in schools and government addictions facility in Burnaby buildings, and in banning the use of Now as easy as 8-1-1 provides an enormous new trans-fats in the preparation of food opportunity to care for those who in schools and restaurants. We 8-1-1 HealthLinkBC.ca  BCHealthGuide need our help, as do projects such have expanded our anti-tobacco as The Crossing at Keremeos programs, and published the A BC Liberal Government will addiction treatment facility for BC HealthGuide Handbook in introduce new measures to help youth. More will be done. multiple languages. remote communities get new

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Record-high funding for K-12 per pupil education spending Enrolment education (FTEs, 000’s) Per Pupil Funding 600 $8,500 Under our Platform, annual funding for education at all levels will go Per Pupil Funding up by over $800 million by 590 increasing $8,000 2011/12. K-12 education funding will increase by 35 per cent by 2011/12 over 2000/01 levels, 580 despite a continued drop in $7,500 student enrolment, with 53,000 fewer students today than in 570 2001. Per pupil funding will rise to historic high levels. $7,000 560

$6,500 550 Enrolment declining

540 $6,000

01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12

Steveston-London Secondary School Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12

Over the last eight years we have increased parental involvement consultation with parents and funding is being provided for in school planning, increased teachers on class sizes and helping students with autism. This accountability for teachers and other facets of school planning, year, we are providing new grants school boards, increased choice in and reports annually on class for playground expansions, more schooling, and protected volunteer size in every school – the most money for ESL programs, and rights. A new Teacher’s Discipline comprehensive reporting in new funding for community literacy Registry now requires public Canada. For information on programs, distance learning and reporting of teachers disciplined class sizes in any school, visit: seismically upgrading schools. for misconduct involving emotional, www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reporting/ physical or sexual abuse. We have enrol/class-size.php decreased class sizes through new legislation that requires Funding for students with special needs is also on the rise, and new

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Pursuing excellence in education A BC Liberal Government will continue to strive for excellence in literacy and education and accountability for results. New efficiencies will be sought to redirect savings from administration to new performance incentives that will be developed through the Learning Roundtable. We will launch a major education review to be sure we are putting up-to-date tools in the hands of parents and teachers that will work for all our children. We want every child to be excited by learning. The Foundation Skills Assessment will remain an important part of A BC Liberal Government will give We will continue to establish our plan. We will also launch a parents, teachers and principals StrongStart Centres in schools comprehensive curriculum review the right to decide through across the province. This will help to identify areas needing more School Planning Councils whether families and children get ready for attention, including a new focus video surveillance cameras exceptional educational experiences on climate change, Aboriginal should be installed in their schools and will ensure our kids are ready history, personal health and to help protect students and for their school experiences. personal financial planning. The their property. education of today must reflect The Neighbourhoods of the best research we have on child All day, voluntary five-year-old Learning program, that we learning and teaching practices. kindergarten will be established initiated last year, has captured We will work to ensure each and the plan for its development the imaginations of a number of dollar is being put to the best use will include early childhood Boards of Education across the in each classroom and parents education expansion for province. The Neighbourhoods of will help shape the educational interested teachers. Eventually, Learning model will be expanded strategies of the decades ahead. voluntary preschool opportunities and developed in concert with will be established for four-year- parents, community groups, Parents also want new tools to olds, as the economy starts to Boards of Education and City help improve school safety and grow again. Councils who are interested. property protection for their kids.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Increasing Post-secondary funding $ Billions access to post 5.0 secondary 4.5 education 4.0

Premier Campbell’s BC Liberal 3.5

Government has led the largest 3.0 expansion in post-secondary education in the last 40 years 2.5 76% increase since 2000-2001 (see www.gov.bc.ca/yourbc/ 2.0 students). We have created seven new universities and three new 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 medical schools, and have funded over $1.6 billion of capital Source: Budget and Fiscal Plan 2009/10 - 2011/12 and 2008 British Columbia Financial and Economic Review, July 2008 improvements to those and other institutions and colleges across BC. This has added nearly 36,700 As the chart above shows, We know that in these tough new student spaces since 2001, our Platform calls for additional economic times, many more including 2,500 new graduate funding increases for advanced students and workers will choose spaces by the end of the year, education over the next three to advance their education and such that anyone graduating high years. By 2011/12, total funding skills. Now the student spaces school with a B-average can for post-secondary education are there to help them do that, get into university. will be 76 per cent higher than closer to home, at thousands of under the NDP’s last year in office. dollars in savings in travel and accommodation costs. Seven New Universities: 1 Vancouver Island A BC Liberal Government will further expand University BC’s post-secondary system with: 2 University of the • A new law school at Thompson Rivers University in Fraser Valley Kamloops in collaboration with the University of Calgary 3 Kwantlen Polytechnic • A new medical school at UBC Okanagan University • A new Wood Design and Innovation Centre at UNBC in 4 Emily Carr University Prince George of Art and Design • A new Earth Systems Science Building at UBC 5 Capilano University • A major expansion of the Sauder School of Business at UBC 6 T hompson Rivers University • The new Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, 7 University of British involving UVic, UBC, SFU and UNBC Columbia – Okanagan

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

For a flat fee that is the same for students throughout Metro Vancouver, and lower for students in other areas that have less access to public transit, all students will have equitable, affordable access to public transit in their regions. Students attending smaller universities or colleges deserve the same discounts as those attending the largest post-secondary institutes in each region. A BC Liberal Government will deliver that new support for students by September 2010.

assistance programs for displaced New support forest workers, miners and other for students workers to help them through this global recession. BC’s undergraduate tuition fees A BC Liberal Government will at publicly-funded universities are also work with universities, currently the 5th lowest in Canada. colleges, TransLink and BC They account for about one-third Transit to introduce a common of the cost of each student space, U-Pass program for all post- while the taxpayers fund the secondary students across BC. remaining two-thirds. All student bodies will have the We will continue to limit tuition option to participate in a universal, increases to the rate of inflation. accessible, affordable public We will maintain this year’s higher transit program that lowers their funding levels for student aid transit costs. and create new time-limited tuition

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Enhancing support for ESL and immigrant services

Each year, more than 40,000 immigrants move to BC. Our plan includes new investments to help support them through WelcomeBC and enhanced ESL programs. It includes $16 million over the next three years to help remove barriers to employment through the Skills Connect for Immigrants and the International Qualifications programs. Those programs will help immigrants get new skills, language support, credential recognition and workplace experience to overcome Investing in trades barriers to employment. and training The Provincial Nominee program will also be enhanced to accelerate immigration for qualified Funding for industry trades training and apprenticeships skilled workers, designated health professionals, has increased by 42 per cent since 2001, with some international graduates and experienced entrepreneurs. 47,000 registered apprentices and trainees expected We will continue to push for the expansion of the this year – more than triple the number under the federal Temporary Foreign Workers program. Skilled NDP’s last year in office. Our plan dedicates $105 million immigrants are key to meeting our labour force per year to the Industry Trades Training Authority (ITA). needs in health delivery, construction, information By year end, we will have funded an additional 7,000 technology and new media, film and television new apprenticeship spaces since 2007/08. production, life sciences, clean energy, engineering, and other vocations. To stimulate new jobs for trades workers, we introduced a BC Training Tax Credit in 2007. It provides refundable income tax credits for employers who employ apprentices enrolled in any of the 100-plus apprenticeship programs covering over 140 careers administered through the ITA. The cost to government is about $20 million a year.

A BC Liberal Government will build on its 2009 Budget by doubling the BC Training Tax Credit, effective July 1, 2009. Employers will be eligible for a tax credit of 10 per cent of salary and wages paid, to a new maximum of $4,000 per apprentice, for any tax year in which the employee is still in the first 24 months of apprenticeship. This will be financed from savings in the contingency budget. It will create new incentives for job creation that will help trades workers and employers alike in these challenging economic times.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

creditors and to provide unlimited deposit insurance on all deposits in credit unions. We urged the federal government to increase RRSP contribution limits and to ease the rules on mandatory RRIF withdrawals to give seniors more time for their investments to recover, and to make the best decisions for their personal circumstances. We will continue to advocate an increase to the allowable RRSP contribution limit and to allow all seniors to continue contributing to their RRSPs until age 75. We will continue to seek an immediate, indefinite suspension of the mandatory withdrawal requirements on RRIFs, so that seniors are not forced to liquidate their investments More services Every child born in British now, and can instead wait for for children Columbia on or after January 1, the markets to improve and their 2007 receives a $1,000 grant investment values to rebound. and families that, grows larger with interest to help fund their We have outlawed mandatory education after graduation. Over the past eight years, an retirement. Yet more can be done additional 300 front-line staff to allow seniors to work longer have been recruited to support while collecting their pensions, We will increase funding for early at-risk children and families. without punitive income tax policies. childhood development, childcare The budget for children and youth We will seek changes to and supports to children with with special needs is three times allow the first $20,000 of special needs. The budget for greater than in 2001, and the seniors’ pension income to be Adult Community Living Services autism treatment budget is completely tax exempt, with will also increase this year. 12 times higher than in the year no penalties or clawbacks on 2000. Child care funding is now any income earned above 42 per cent higher than in 2000, Providing that amount. and the number of child care spaces qualifying for subsidies new options has doubled. for seniors Our plan increases funding for Children and Family Development, The global economy has taken a which is now 40 per cent higher heavy toll on seniors’ savings. than in 2001. Premier Campbell’s Government responded by legislating new protection to secure RRSPs from

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

needs. We have upgraded or Thousands replaced over 6,500 units, to allow of new homes for proper wheelchair accessibility, new overhead lifts, new treatment for seniors technologies, more space to allow residential care attendants to assist With seniors living longer, more seniors in bathing or grooming, and active lives, we need to create new expanded lounge, activity, dining independent living options that room and other social spaces. better meet their needs in their communities. New “campuses of Since 2001, the BC Liberal care” can help seniors to “age in Government has added, place” as their needs become more upgraded or replaced over 12,400 complex. www.gov.bc.ca/yourbc/ assisted living, residential care and seniors/ supportive housing beds, including 5,896 brand new beds. Wait times Working with Kiwanis representatives, For a decade, the NDP failed to for access to residential care have facilitated provincial funding via BC Housing Corp. for construction of the new $14.7 invest in upgrading or increasing declined from about a year in 2001, million supportive and assisted living facility seniors’ housing. Thousands of to an average of 15-90 days today. in West Vancouver between 21st and 22nd units were allowed to deteriorate. Funding for home care and street. It provides 76 new affordable housing Major repairs and renovations have community support has increased apartments for seniors. been undertaken to make them by over 61 per cent under Premier safer and more suitable for seniors’ Campbell’s Administration.

Our Plan will: • Dedicate $123 million to create 1,000 new homes for seniors and persons with disabilities across BC. Those units will be built this year, largely in smaller communities • Establish a registry for residential care aides, so British Columbians can be confident that care aides who are disciplined by one care facility are tracked and known when applying for work at any other provincial care facility • Legislate a new “Residents Bill of Rights” to set out clear commitments to care and to the rights of seniors living in residential care facilities, including the right to representation through resident and family councils • Develop a new provincial website to give families new access to comparative, detailed information about residential care facilities • Increase access to home-support services, in-home nursing and rehabilitative care to help seniors live more healthy, active, independent lives

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Dominion Hotel, Vancouver Cordova Residence, Vancouver Astoria Hotel, Prince George Acadia Building, Kamloops

medical services. Over 80 per cent of the 4,600 people Ending homelessness who have been helped by those outreach programs with new solutions are still living in safe and secure housing today. That gives new stability to their lives. We will succeed in Like most large cities across Canada, ours have been conquering homelessness one person at a time and challenged by homelessness, despite record high in partnership with governments, the non-profit sector investments in housing and unprecedented supports and private individuals who want to help. to help those in need. This year, we will spend $469 million on housing programs in BC – four times more The new Rental Assistance Program, which we than in 2001. established, now provides rental assistance of an average $350 per month to more than 7,700 low- The BC Liberals are focused on helping individuals income, working families with children. That’s $4,200 and families break the cycle of homelessness. each year in new rental supports for low income That is why we quadrupled funding for social and families. Seniors have also benefited from our supportive housing since 2001 and nearly tripled the doubling of the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters number of supportive housing units. That is why we (SAFER) rent subsidy program. It now provides an doubled the number of shelter beds across BC average annual rental subsidy of $1,800 to over and are creating more than 16,000 new units of 15,700 seniors – 3,700 more seniors than in 2001. subsidized housing and new 24/7 access to emergency shelters. We have purchased 45 single room occupancy We will build on these and other initiatives by further hotels and affordable housing buildings, a $130 million investing more than $172 million in housing projects investment. on six sites in Vancouver, with another six sites ready to go when the city gives them appropriate approvals. We will invest $90 million in upgrading and renovating Non-profit societies have been selected to manage the those 2,000 new units to protect them for affordable 569 new units as soon as they are complete, creating housing. We will expand the new outreach programs 1,100 new jobs. We are also investing $130 million to that now operate in 48 communities to connect build an additional 478 new housing units on 11 sites homeless people with safe housing and shelters, in seven additional communities, creating an estimated income assistance, employment counseling, and 830 direct jobs.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Cracking down on crime: Cracking down on gangs and gun crimes over 1,000 new 1. More police officers police officers 2. More prosecutors

Since 2002, we’ve added 3. More jails and secure courts 1,100 extra police officers across BC, including 168 more officers, 4. Tougher laws and sentences and new anti-gang units in Prince George and Kelowna. 5. Crackdown on illegal guns Municipalities now receive 100 per cent of all traffic fine revenues, to help them hire more police and 6. Outlaw armoured vehicles and body armour improve community safety. Local governments received no 7. New gang hotlines and rewards program assistance under the NDP. We have also created a team of 26 prosecutors who are dedicated to prosecuting gang and gun crimes. We have led the way in Canada in convincing the federal government to pursue tougher sentencing under the Criminal Code, including tougher bail provisions and eliminating the “two-for-one” credits for time served while waiting for trial that have historically reduced sentences for convicted criminals. Our plan includes funding for more jails, new rewards for catching criminals, new steps to outlaw armoured vehicles and body armour used by gangs, and tough to push for modern wiretap rules, regional policing models, more new licensing provisions for “prop simplified disclosure requirements, integrated policing units and masters” who supply replica and mandatory jail for anyone amalgamated police forces, in weapons to the film industry. It carrying an illegal gun while on bail. keeping with the wishes of those includes new anti-gang outreach We will give local governments in communities. programs, to help prevent young Metro Vancouver the opportunity to For more on our plan to fight people from joining gangs. recommend the most appropriate site for a new maximum security gangs, gun violence and organized With our federal MPs, a BC remand centre. And we will work crime visit www.gov.bc.ca/pssg Liberal Government will continue with local governments to pursue

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Last summer, we opened Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court – a first in Canada. That court will process some 1,500 offenders a year, including many who are caught in the downward spiral of alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, homelessness and poverty. By taking individual problem-solving approach to address the underlying causes of their criminal behaviour, the Community Court is creating more effective relationships between the justice system, health and social services, community organizations, area residents, merchants, faith communities and schools. Our Platform will expand Community Courts to other communities, to expedite sentencing and support aimed at preventing crimes, appropriately punishing criminals, and reducing repeat offenders. It will build on our government’s Safe Streets Act, with new legislation to require those arrested with outstanding warrants from other provinces to Improving community be immediately returned to those jurisdictions. safety That new law will deny those individuals access to income assistance and other services, with residency requirements until they can prove that British Columbia has led the way in fighting car thefts, their warrants have been dealt with. with the largest “bait car” program of its kind in North America. Already it has helped reduce auto thefts by 38 per cent, or by 10,000 fewer stolen vehicles, since the program was launched in 2005. A BC Liberal Government will expand that and other programs aimed at reducing property crimes. We created the first dedicated transit police force in Canada. It now has 130 armed officers on buses, SkyTrain, Seabus and the Westcoast Express who have full police powers. To make SkyTrain stations even more secure for women, youth and vulnerable citizens, we will invest in new “smartcard” technology that will also discourage fare evasion. We will also build on our recent efforts to introduce street cameras A BC Liberal Government will also strengthen initiatives in high-risk areas. Those cameras help prevent street to stop school bullying, and it will move aggressively crimes and help police to catch and punish those to combat the use and abuse of dangerous drugs, like who commit criminal acts. crystal meth. It will expand partnerships with non-profit and volunteer organizations to further expand access to 24/7 safe homes for women escaping violent or abusive relationships.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 4. Improving and protecting vital public services (continued)

Protecting our environment “As premier, he has shown his leadership on the environment, including overseeing BC becoming the first jurisdiction to introduce a Carbon Tax in North America.” No government in BC history has done as much to protect the environment as has Premier Gregor Robertson, Mayor, City of Vancouver

Campbell’s Government. We have Source: Vancouver Sun, April 4, 2009 led Canada in developing aggressive action plans on climate change, water quality, air quality, fisheries management, ecosystem- based land-use planning, and sustainable growth in our communities. www.gov.bc.ca/ yourbc/planet Since 2001, we have created 57 new parks and expanded over 50 others, while adding 143 new accumulated under the NDP and A BC Liberal Government will conservancies and new ecological cost our economy $1 billion and build on this strong foundation for reserves. That has protected over 20,000 jobs. environmental protection. It will 1.8 million hectares, an area three extend BC’s network of land times larger than P.E.I. Over The massive new Central and North conservancies, and implement new 14 per cent of our provincial Coast Land Use Plans were put in anti-idling measures, low-carbon landbase is now protected, or 13.5 place through an unprecedented fuel content standards and million hectares – more than any partnership between governments, California-equivalent tailpipe other province in Canada. It’s an First Nations, environmental standards on vehicle emissions. area larger than Nova Scotia, New organizations and resource Brunswick and P.E.I. combined. industries. With the Kitasoo First The BC Liberal government Nations, we have established a will expand strategies to new Spirit Bear Conservancy to protect species at risk, to permanently provide secure habitat ensure BC remains a showcase for B.C.’s Spirit Bear. In the Great of biological diversity. Bear Rainforest a new ecosystem- based management regime will We will honour our commitment ensure all permitted activities within to outlaw the dumping of raw the area are environmentally sewage into the Strait of Juan sustainable and scientifically sound. de Fuca and help implement a By finalizing land use plans in new sewage treatment plan for several areas across BC, we have The Living Rivers Trust, our Water Greater Victoria. We will work created new certainty on the land Plan and wetlands preservation with the federal government to base for forestry, mining, energy measures are similarly enhancing ensure an orderly transfer of and other resource industries. We protection for our precious salmon regulatory oversight to the federal have eliminated a backlog of 3,000 and fish habitats. government for aquaculture Crown land applications that had fisheries management.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

Investing in jobs 5 and infrastructure

“pays the bills.” It’s debt that will be repaid like a mortgage on your A $14 billion capital home, with annual payments over construction plan two or three decades. But unlike dead-weight operating debt from deficits, that capital debt will be Working in for tangible assets that we need partnership with now, and that will only get more the federal expensive to build in the future. government Nevertheless, like a mortgage, there are limits to the level of debt that government can afford Hundreds of projects to incur without placing undue creating up to future pressure on taxpayers, One of the best ways we can help 88,000 new jobs through higher debt-servicing to create jobs and keep people costs that reduce future funding working in these tough times for our available for other services or that result in higher taxes. construction industry is to invest been approved and initiated across now in building and upgrading the province. For more information Our Platform strikes the right roads, bridges, airports, public on those projects, visit www.gov. balance. It maximizes immediate transit, schools, hospitals, bc.ca/infrastructure investments in critical infrastructure universities, community facilities, and that will create jobs now and other types of capital infrastructure. It makes sense to invest now in reduce long-term costs for taxpayers. Working in partnership with the these projects, while interest rates federal government, our $14 billion are at record lows, building costs capital construction plan will create are down, and skilled workers are up to 88,000 jobs in hundreds of readily available. These capital construction projects across BC construction projects are less over the next three years. expensive for BC taxpayers if we can build them with 50 per cent As part of that plan, we have federal funding support or through identified over 400 projects that are public-private partnerships. either ready to go or possible to Although that does add to our accelerate for work to begin in the provincial “taxpayer-supported next few months. We have been debt,” these capital projects will working closely with the federal benefit many generations to come. government to take advantage of their offer to help, with cost-sharing These projects will create a programs announced in the recent new legacy of building in every federal budget. Already, $2.8 community that has lasting value for billion worth of those projects have everyone who ultimately South Fraser perimeter road (artist’s rendering)

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 5. Investing in jobs and infrastructure (continued)

Some of the priorities for the future include: • Accelerating four-laning of the Cariboo Connector • Building the new 10-lane Port Mann Bridge and the Gateway Project, including the new North and South Fraser Perimeter Roads Top left: Bennett Bridge, Top right: Port Mann (artist’s rendering), Bottom left: Park Bridge, Bottom right: Golden Ears Bridge • Accelerated improvements to Historically high Rupert, the new William R. Bennett Highway 3, Highway Bridge across Lake Okanagan, 16, Highway 97, investments in the new Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the Pine Pass, the new upgraded Simon Fraser and the Trans-Canada transportation Bridge and new multi-modal Highway, from transportation hub in Prince George. Kamloops to the We’ve made countless We have made the largest border Alberta border improvements in BC history and improvements in transportation • Completing the led the way in expediting border since 2001, with nearly $4 billion in next phase of capital investments. Over 25,000 flows with enhanced Drivers’ improvements to the lane kilometres of roads have been Licenses. We have built or are Kicking Horse Canyon paved, or the equivalent distance building, the new Pitt River Bridge of paving from Vancouver to Halifax and Mary Hill By-pass, the new Park • Expanding the Port over five-and-a-half times. Our plan Bridge at Kicking Horse Canyon, of Prince Rupert and Deltaport calls for over $3.3 billion in new and major airport expansions in investments over the next three Comox, Terrace-Kitimat, Smithers, • Replacing 26 old years, with 90 per cent of all Prince George, Cranbrook, ferries over the next current projects being built Kamloops and Nanaimo. 15 years with new in areas outside of the Lower state-of-the-art ships We eliminated tolls on the Mainland. To learn more about Coquihalla Highway, launched the • Delivering the the Campbell Government’s largest public transit plan in BC $14 billion provincial transportation projects and plans in history, and opened up the North, transit plan every region, visit http://www.gov. with the new Sierra Yoyo Desan bc.ca/projects.htm • Replacing existing resource road near Fort Nelson and railway crossings on Eight years ago, we promised to major new investment in rural and Lower Mainland open up BC with new investments remote roads. Our plan helped BC roads with elevated that would open up Canada’s Pacific Ferries upgrade its terminals and crossings that allow Gateways in every region. We are deliver three new super-C class ferry traffic to flow freely delivering on that commitment with vessels, that were delivered on time the new container Port of Prince and under budget.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 5. Investing in jobs and infrastructure (continued)

The largest investment • Double transit ridership by 2020 to ever in public transit: over 400 million trips a year $14 billion • $10.3 billion for four new and expanded rapid transit lines • $1.6 billion for 1,500 new, clean- powered buses to increase access to public transit in communities across BC • $1.2 billion for new RapidBus lines in Kelowna, Victoria and Metro Vancouver that will provide frequent, reliable, express service with few or no stops between main stations, and priority movement through dedicated lanes and overpasses • New $2 billion Canada Line, $1.4 billion Evergreen Line, $2.8 billion Broadway Station to UBC Line, $3.1 billion to double capacity on the Expo Line, and $1 billion for new rail cars • New transit service across the new Port Mann Bridge • Improved transit security from electronic gates, closed-circuit cameras, “smartcard” machines, and new security personnel • Major transit studies underway to identify best transit options for the Fraser Valley and southern The new $2 billion,19-kilometre Canada Line linking Vancouver Island, including downtown Vancouver to the International Airport in upgrading the existing Southern Richmond is on-budget and will open on Labour Day, Rail and E&N rail corridors three months ahead of schedule. For a copy of the • Up to 1,000 secure bike lockers new Provincial Transit Plan, visit: at transit exchanges www.th.gov.bc.ca/Transit_Plan/index.html • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 4.7 million tonnes cumulatively by 2020 that will also improve air quality

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 5. Investing in jobs and infrastructure (continued)

corporate income tax rates, new wineries, and others get through Jobs in every tax credits and deregulation these challenging times and region in mining, initiatives all undertaken since 2001 expand their businesses. have made a huge difference. agriculture, Our Government will implement manufacturing, Over 28,000 miners depend on the new BC Research and confidence remaining high in the Innovation Strategy www.tted.gov. film & technology government and in the province, so bc.ca/TRI/research/Documents/ they can continue working in their strategy.pdf, expand access to high-paying mining jobs. Many of venture capital, and work with the those workers are now facing layoffs BC Innovation Council and the due to the global recession. We Premier’s Technology Council to are going to work with them, to help maximize growth in new extend the same support programs media, information technology, that have been available to forest software, biotech, and clean tech. workers to them and their families. It will also pursue new strategies for manufacturing growth in We are going to continue to value-added forestry and other streamline mine approval processes, growing manufacturing sectors. cut corporate taxes, and lower costs on mining companies who risk their capital to help create Source: Picture BC jobs in our province. We will “Gordon Campbell has extend the Mining Flow-Through delivered over a hundred Renewed confidence in our Share Tax Credit and open up new economy has helped our mining mining potential in the Northwest, different tax cuts for industry become one of the by working with First Nations, individuals, families and fastest growing mining regions the federal government and small businesses. So, in the world, up until the recent mining companies to build the we all keep more of global economic crisis. In 2008, new transmission line along the investment in mineral exploration Highway 37 corridor. That new what we earn and BC’s was almost 1,300 per cent higher transmission line will also reduce in better shape than any than in 2001, with 60 per cent of all remote communities’ dependency other place in the country. Canadian exploration companies on dirty diesel power and give Right now, there’s no now based in BC, and a 786 per them new access to clean place I’d rather be cent increase in mineral claims. electricity, as well as opening mining Twelve metal mines have opened and new energy opportunities. because this province will or reopened in BC since then. That means jobs! weather this economic Half of all new mine development storm better than other projects in Canada are here, in BC. Our plan will build upon the new confidence created in every sector. places, thanks to Premier The BC Liberal Government It will deliver on the new Agriculture Campbell and his team.” encouraged mining by eliminating Plan www.al.gov.bc.ca/Agriculture_ the Corporate Capital Tax and the Plan/ and support new strategies Justis Greene, sales tax on machinery and to market BC-grown farm products Film Producer, Disk Productions equipment. Canada’s 2nd lowest and help ranchers, hog-growers,

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 5. Investing in jobs and infrastructure (continued)

access to credit, cash flow and 1,000,000 jobs customer growth, the last thing and counting, small businesses need is a $450 million cost imposed by the NDP working with to increase the minimum wage. The last thing they can afford is an small business increase in their payroll costs of close to 30 per cent, with benefits, as the Opposition’s minimum wage Small business has always been policy would impose. We know that the backbone of our economy. would only lead to more layoffs, them become more competitive Small businesses employ over a more job losses and cash-strapped and to stimulate new business million people in BC and account businesses that would be pushed investment. If you’re laying your for over one-third of our entire into bankruptcy. That is why we life savings on the line to create or provincial economic activity. acted instead to cut the small expand a small business, you need Confidence is key to the expansion business income tax rate by 44 per to know that the government will and success of small businesses, cent, and doubled commissions increase certainty and not add to and the new confidence created for retailers who collect PST on your risks and costs with reckless since our election in 2001 the province’s behalf. We want changes in labour policy, has generated 39,500 new small to remain a high-employment, employment standards, WorkSafe businesses and an additional high-wage province. 159,000 jobs in our communities. regulations, or other NDP Our Platform is all about increasing experiments in “social engineering.” But now, with the global economy consumer confidence and lowering hammering small businesses’ costs on small business, to help

A BC Liberal Government will continue to lower costs for small business. It will: • Reduce the small business income tax to the lowest rate in Canada, by April 1, 2012 • Raise the small business income tax threshold to $500,000, on January 1, 2010, to make more small businesses eligible for that significant tax advantage • Double the maximum available BC Training Tax Credit by July 1, 2009 • Continue to reduce regulations and red tape • Create a new voluntary, defined contribution pension plan for self-employed workers, small business owners and their employees • Implement the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement with Alberta • Develop the new Western Economic Partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan, to open up new opportunities for business expansions through harmonized procurement, regulatory and business registration processes • Launch a review of the BC Assessment process, to identify improvements that might be made for fairer assessments to lower the unfair burden of property taxes on small businesses

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Six Pillars for a Strong BC

Building on our 6 strategic advantages

That new relationship has already Forging a new led to more progress in the last four relationship years than in the previous 150 years combined www.gov.bc.ca/ with Indigenous yourbc/firstnations. The future will not be won through denial or Nations through the old relationship marked by confrontation, litigation and institutionalized inequity. It will be built through formal recognition It’s about mutual Four years ago, we embarked of Indigenous Nations and a new respect and on a new relationship with First government-to-government Nations. A relationship founded relationship. It will be built recognition on mutual respect and recognition through negotiation, consultation, of Aboriginal rights and title. accommodation and the It’s about new One that moves beyond the failed reconciliation of Aboriginal peoples’ approaches of the past with constitutionally-protected inherent certainty on the constructive dialogue and a rights and title with the Crown’s land base genuine desire to move forward title, jurisdiction and obligations to together, as true partners in building all British Columbians. a stronger BC. It’s about For the first time ever in our closing the gaps We sought to engage one another province’s history, we are poised in education, with new trust and a shared to repair the damage caused by resolve to improving the quality so many years of mistrust and health, housing of life and living conditions for misguided policies. We are looking and economic Aboriginal people. It was a historic forward to a positive future guided opportunity agreement aimed at providing new by a new Recognition and certainty on the land base, new Reconciliation Act that sets out the clarity about our mutual legal principles for defining and honouring rights and responsibilities, and the province’s new commitments a new commitment to shared to Indigenous Nations. That will decision-making and to revenue produce new economic opportunity and benefit sharing. for all citizens and it will create new confidence in our economy and on our the land base.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

exporter, and British Columbia has Forestry for by far the largest share of those today and exports. We are a global leader in dimensional lumber, panels, tomorrow pulp and paper, and value-added forestry products. The Softwood Lumber Agreement has provided Forestry has always been a new stability of access to our mainstay of BC’s economy. It will largest market, the United States. continue to be as wood gains in prominence as a building material, That Agreement has also returned and as the new Asia markets open $2.4 billion in US duties to our their doors to a wood culture. forest companies, which is helping Our industry has been battered them weather this downturn and by the mountain pine beetle, minimize worker impacts. Now is the collapse of the US housing not the time to take risks with our market, falling lumber prices, new largest trading partner as the NDP global competition and of course, has suggested. It could potentially by the softwood lumber dispute. cost thousands of jobs. But our forest industry has a We will develop new uses for bright future as we enter the new wood, new markets and new value low carbon economy, develop in growing trees, as recommended new biofuels to meet the world’s by the Working Roundtable on growing demand, create new Forestry. That will create building products to meet growing unprecedented potential for needs and become recognized as sustainable growth, thousands of the world’s best forest stewards, new jobs for forest workers and with the world’s most productive new stability for forest-dependent and creative forest workers. communities. For more on our vision for forestry, check out Canada is recognized as the www.gov.bc.ca/for/ world’s largest softwood lumber Source: Picture BC

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Across British Columbia, we have given all families facing financial hardship, including those in hard hit resource industries, the option of deferring their property taxes in each of the next two years, for as long as they own their home. That will save many families thousands of dollars in avoided property tax, now when they need that money the most. We worked with other provinces to convince the federal government to extend Employment Insurance benefits. A BC Liberal government will do more. Rather than having many laid-off workers in forestry and in other sectors exhaust their E.I. benefits,a BC Liberal Government will propose a new national Extended Employment Insurance Program. Working with other provinces and the federal government, it would aim at stopping the spiral into dependency that comes when workers Supporting resource exhaust their E.I. benefits and are forced to workers resort to Income Assistance programs. In the new Extended Employment Insurance program A BC Liberal Government will continue to help forest provincial governments would direct the dollars that workers and their families through these challenging would normally be used for income assistance into economic times. employment insurance if the federal government would agree to top up those payments up to regular E.I. We will provide an additional $30 million in new benefits for up to an additional year. This would help funding to expand and supplement the $129-million keep workers from entering into a downward spiral that federally funded Community Development Trust comes with disposing of assets and other major moves we launched last year. That Trust is delivering new that create real challenges. transitional and pension bridging support for older workers, new tuition assistance to help forest workers We expect Canada and BC to come out of this upgrade or diversify their skills, and new job downturn earlier than many other places and this plan opportunities to keep people working. would build a secure bridge to those workers’ futures.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

designs, it will also apply to building

“Wood First”: finishing designs, inside and out. Creating new Strengthening Wood is the best environmental wood products, building material, is less expensive Canada’s forest to build with, and will help secure new jobs and long-term markets and long-term industry jobs for our forest workers. a stronger When we welcome the world economy in 2010, we will showcase spectacular new buildings that Our goal is to help BC become feature BC wood, such as the the world’s acknowledged leader new Richmond Olympic Oval in wood construction. While the that showcases one million housing market is facing a board feet of mountain pine significant downturn, the non- beetle timber and the new residential market (schools, Vancouver Convention Centre’s hospitals, malls and other large spectacular hemlock walls and buildings) continue to be built. We have to look to ourselves to fir beams. Wood will now be Wood is only currently used in 19 create new demand for our forest featured in every way possible per cent of those buildings in North products. We need to maximize in buildings across BC. We will America. We can change that. growth in our domestic market push for a new national first. A BC Liberal Government “Wood First” policy to create A BC Liberal Government will will continue to expand its new demand for renewable, create a new Wood Innovation “Wood First” policy to require “carbon-neutral” Canadian and Design Centre in Prince wood as the primary building wood products across Canada. George, at UNBC, working in material in all new publicly-owned As we move across the country partnership with UBC, as part of and provincially-funded buildings, we intend to move both south of the new Wood Enterprise Centre. consistent with the new the border and around the world It will provide architects, designers, BC Building Code. expanding trade, markets and jobs. engineers and builders with new training and information on how That new Building Code now to master the use of wood in provides for the construction of commercial, institutional and six-storey buildings, up from four mid-rise residential buildings. It storeys. That will dramatically will leverage existing expertise to increase the wood content of develop and promote new building buildings in the public and private technologies and new applications sectors alike, and will allow BC for our innovative wood products. to lead the way in new wood And it will promote new uses for construction techniques that can beetle-killed wood in buildings. be marketed around the world. Our new “Wood First” policy will not only apply to structural

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Turning waste wood into clean, renewable energy

One of the largest opportunities for our forest industry is to develop BC’s unlimited potential in bioenergy. We can use waste wood that has been left on the forest floor, and trees ravaged by the mountain pine beetle, to generate new clean electricity that can create new jobs and opportunities for families in forest-dependent communities. That’s what our new $35-million Bioenergy Strategy is all about. Check out: www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca/bioenergy 2MWe biomass power plant We can also use that fibre to create new low-carbon featuring a GE Jenbacher engine cellulosic ethanol that offers about four times more net energy than other biofuels. We can use it to produce biodiesel fuel. Wood pellet production is one of the create that demand by expanding value-added growth fastest growing value-added export opportunities. It in manufacturing and engineered wood products. Our dries and compresses waste wood into pellets that can goal is to generate more economic value per hectare of be used as fuel in new clean-burning pellet stoves that forest-land than any other jurisdiction on Earth, by 2020. produce virtually no smoke. It has great potential to maximize the economic value of our forests. A new Value for Wood Secretariat will be created to provide a one stop access to government A BC Liberal Government will continue to aggressively agencies aimed at expanding and expediting pursue these opportunities for clean energy through new investments in value-added growth. To help meet tenures that provide new access to waste wood and that end, we will also establish a new Commercial to stable fibre supplies for bioenergy. It will build on BC Forest Reserve that ensures harvested lands Hydro’s recent bioenergy and clean energy power calls, continue to be protected as a forest asset. with new measures to make these clean forms of energy more economically viable. We will work with First Nations and communities to give them more access to fibre that they can depend upon for value-added growth. We will work to stimulate innovation and commercialization and to Creating new value promote wood education and culture. We will facilitate from our forests the “right fibre to the right process,” to make better use of small dimension timber, different species, and grades of fibre. Our vision is to eliminate waste and to The export of raw logs is only allowed if they are leave no part of the tree unused. To that end, we will deemed to be surplus to domestic needs. The best also introduce new “lump sum” sales, where licensees way to reduce even the current amount is to create can buy an area of timber instead of only paying for the more domestic demand for those logs. We will trees they harvest.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

example here at home with wood improvement programs, intensive Opening up new as the primary building material forest management, fertilization, markets for BC for schools, health facilities and pre-commercial thinning, multiple other public buildings. We will brushings all will help us get more wood products build on the significant expansion economic, social and environmental of BC wood exports that is being value from our forests. Although British Columbia is far realized through new wood roof less dependent on the United truss construction in Shanghai Our new vision for silviculture will States than other provinces in and new wood landscape projects include a new tenure specifically Canada for many of its exports, in Guangdong Province. Both of designed for growing trees, as the same cannot be said for our those endeavours represent multi- outlined in the government’s new softwood exports. The United billion dollar opportunities for the discussion paper www.for.gov.bc.ca/ States is, by far, our largest BC forest industry. hfp/silviculture/discussion_paper customer and will remain so for many years to come. That is why We will increase BC’s marketing the Softwood Lumber Agreement budget in China by 50 per cent is so important. and open up new international trade offices in Asia. A BC Liberal Government will It will help deliver on our goal of continue to honour that Agreement selling four billion board feet of which creates stability in our lumber into China by 2011. This forest industry. The NDP forest critic would represent 30 per cent of has councilled that “we take our our annual production, add to the chances” on policies that could opportunities in forestry and help jeopardise the Agreement. We balance off the dependence we Our British Columbia tree planters profoundly disagree. That would currently have with the US market. only expose our forest industry have planted over 6 billion and our forest workers to new seedlings in the last 80 years. American countervail duties and We will add to that pace. We are other protectionist measures that the first jurisdiction in Canada to would hurt our forest workers Creating new adopt a ground-breaking Zero and companies. Net Deforestation policy. We value from tree will continue to invest in our As we open our markets in Canada planting and multi-million dollar Mountain and across North America, we will Pine Beetle Action Plan build our markets in Europe and carbon sinks working with local communities, Japan, which already account for and to invest millions more in our The new green economy provides over 90 per cent of all BC wood Forests for Tomorrow program, new opportunities for BC to build pellet exports. We will also continue which has already planted 17 on its expertise in silviculture and to build new markets for BC wood million seedlings, and will plant plant more trees as “carbon sinks” products in Asia, particularly India, 60 million more seedlings by 2013. that can attract new investments China and Korea. We will pursue For more information on all of for carbon offsets under the additional demonstration projects these initiatives, see new provincial Pacific Carbon like the wood frame construction www.gov.bc.ca/for Trust. Sophisticated tree of schools in China, as we set the

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Canada’s Pacific Gateway: 255,000 new jobs in BC alone No markets on Earth offer more promise for growth in trade, investment and tourism than the new economic giants on the Pacific Rim. Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, India and the ASEAN countries offer incredible potential for British Columbia. We are Canada’s front door on the Asia Pacific. As Canada’s Asia Pacific Gateway we are also North America’s closest location to those burgeoning economies. Not only are we geographically closer than our competitors, we are increasingly linked through largest trading partner, after the metals, coal and human talent. We families and relationships. More USA, with $12 billion in bilateral have the potential to generate an than one-quarter of British trade last year. Japan is the additional $76 billion in annual trade Columbia’s population identified second-largest economy in the and 255,000 new jobs by 2020. itself as Asian in the most recent world, and imports more than To seize that advantage, we will Canadian census. Over a quarter $5 billion worth of BC exports a open up our ports, airports, rail of all BC’s exports are to Asian year. Some experts now predict and trucking corridors, to handle countries. About a quarter of all that India’s GDP per capita will the growing volume of container Asian immigrants to Canada quadruple by 2020, and its economy shipping business that will be migrate to BC. BC now hosts will surpass the United States by flowing between our two almost half of all tourists from 2043. Korea is our fourth-largest continents. We will expand the the Asia Pacific to Canada. A trading partner, with bilateral trade Port of Prince Rupert with phase number of our schools have ESL levels of more than $3.7 billion two development and continue populations that are 40 or 50 per in 2008. These are enormous to enhance the Metro Vancouver cent of the entire student body. opportunities for all of us. Ports in our southern communities. By 2020, many experts predict We are blessed with a wealth of Our international airports create that China’s economy will be larger resources needed to power those enormous opportunities for trade, than that of the United States. countries’ economies into the tourism and educational and Today, China is BC’s second future – clean energy, wood, cultural exchange.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Canada’s Pacific Gateway: 255,000 new jobs in BC alone (continued)

Whether its Prince George or Comox, Cranbrook or Rim. We are establishing new partnerships with Nanaimo, Vancouver or Abbotsford we can benefit key cities in China and throughout the Pacific Rim, with millions of dollars in economic growth, with a new including new international partnerships in education, national Open Skies policy that allows international health research, exchange programs, and more. air carriers direct flights between our cities and international markets. There are enormous economic The new One World Scholarships are all directed at and job benefits from Asia alone. We will harmonize strengthening our ties with the international community. our domestic trading and shipping regulations to We are a small open trading economy and international expedite trade and lower shipping costs and add to relationships are our economy’s life blood. The our economy. largest single international promotion we will ever have the opportunity to capitalize on will be the 2010 We must remain competitive to keep our economy Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. strong and we have to send a message of stability to create investor confidence. We have lowered taxes For more information, check out: and eliminated the Corporate Capital Tax that had www.canadaspacificgateway.ca or alienated investment under the NDP. We are opening www.gov.bc.ca/ecdev/down/asia_pacific_ up international trade offices throughout the Pacific initiative_out.pdf.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Confidence is the key to that investment. And key BC: Canada’s clean to that confidence has been responsible taxes, new energy giant royalty regimes to encourage summer drilling and “tight gas” exploration, new investments in resource roads, streamlined approval processes, and a government British Columbia is becoming world renowned as that welcomes and encourages that investment. Canada’s clean energy powerhouse. Energy is now by far our largest single source of provincial revenue A BC Liberal Government will continue to build upon and our fastest growing industrial sector. We have that foundation and the estimated 52 trillion cubic feet massive deposits of clean, natural gas and tremendous of conventional gas and 650 trillion cubic feet of potential in clean, renewable energy of all kinds – wind, unconventional gas that we have in BC. If all of that thermal, run-of-river hydro, solar, tidal and bioenergy. gas were recoverable, it would be enough to heat A critical key to our economic future is conservation 650 million homes for 15 years. That would reduce and investment in clean energy and new energy greenhouse gas emissions resulting from coal and technologies that will help the world solve its problems. other forms of power by hundreds of millions of tonnes. We can lead the way. We will work with Northern communities, Harnessing this potential is our opportunity. We including First Nations, to open up BC’s energy must grasp that chance now, for the benefit of the potential in the Horn River, Montney, Bowser and generations that follow. As the world searches for Nechako Basins. We will give those residents low-carbon energy alternatives to dirty coal power or the opportunity to open up a new Northern nuclear power, we can show them how it’s done. energy corridor that could carry liquefied natural Just as we built this province by capitalizing on our gas from the Peace River to Asia, via the Port enormous potential in large-scale hydro power, so too of Kitimat. can we create new opportunities for sustainable jobs Pending a thorough environmental assessment, we will in every region by opening up our new opportunities in decide whether to build a new energy corridor from energy. That’s what our Clean Energy Plan is all about. across the North that could foster billions in investment www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca and create thousands of construction jobs, new wealth for Northern communities including a new supply and distribution centre in the Northwest and new Port development for Kitimat that would complement the The new Northern new container facility at Prince Rupert. energy corridor: billions in investment “We may not be immune from what’s happening in the world’s economies, but and thousands of jobs we’re in better shape than any other place Since 2001, revenue from oil and gas has increased by I can think of, and that’s no accident. nearly 60 per cent. It’s now more than three-times than Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberals the average in the 1990’s. The industry has invested almost $30 billion in that time, creating 34,000 direct got our financial house in order, and that’s and indirect jobs. Capital investment is up by 61 per making a big difference in these tough cent, at over $5 billion. Thanks to government policy times. That kind of leadership works.” and some enormous new discoveries, oil and gas land rights sales soared to $2.66 billion last year – double Johnathon Rhone, President & CEO Nexterra Energy the previous record high set only a year earlier.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Renewable energy and sustainable jobs for rural BC BC Hydro and BC Transmission Corporation will remain Crown corporations under public ownership under a BC Liberal government. If the Site C hydro project ultimately goes ahead, after extensive environmental reviews and public consultation processes, it will do so as a public asset, owned by BC Hydro. The same is true of major Source: Picture BC/WAC Bennett Dam upgrades in transmission lines as we move to a new generation of that transfer risks from the electricity will be from clean, smart electricity grids throughout taxpayer to those investors. renewable sources. the province. BC Hydro, its dams At the same time, new measures and its generation facilities are like in-home metering, smart grids We will move BC from being a net heritage assets which will be and LiveSmartBC energy efficiency importer of dirty coal power from kept in public ownership. incentives will be implemented to the United States and elsewhere, help meet our goal of becoming to a model of clean, renewable New generation or transmission electricity self-sufficient by 2016. power that reduces regional green- capacity, like the proposed Fifty per cent of all incremental house gas emissions on all sides of Highway 37 transmission line electricity demand from now our borders. We will maintain our and new clean independent until 2020 will be met through competitive advantage from low power projects will be built with increased conservation, and at cost heritage power, for residential new private sector investments least 90 per cent of all of our and industrial users alike.

“Premier Campbell is definitely the leader in Canada when it comes to creating jobs in a green economy. No other government has made the kind of commitments and changes he’s introduced. Our kids will thank him for having the foresight and courage to stand up for the environment and build an economy that emphasizes new, green jobs.”

Donald McInnes, Vice-Chairman and CEO Plutonic Power

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

regional “cap and trade” system kicks in, in 2012, this Building the strength will be all the more important for British Columbia and of rural BC all members of the Western Climate Initiative. The answer to today’s power challenges is not to do as the NDP would do, and abandon the commitment to electricity self-sufficiency, or reject private sector investment in clean power generation and lose thousands of potential jobs in rural BC. The answer is not to pretend that our population and our economy will not grow, or to neglect the new energy demands we will face from new electric plug-in vehicles and other technologies. Rather, the answer is to embrace our potential in clean energy production and build on that advantage as a Source: Picture BC critical economic driver of jobs and growth, especially in rural and remote communities. As we develop these new technologies they become commercially viable Rural and remote communities stand to benefit products for export around the world. enormously from new investment and jobs in small and mid-size independent power projects. Countries To help ensure that we develop our electricity around the world are all looking at British Columbia potential in a plan that meets British Columbians’ with envy, as they try to find new sources of green long-term needs, the BC Utilities Commission is energy that can help them meet their obligations to currently conducting an Inquiry. reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When the new See www.bcuc.com/sectionfiveinquiry.aspx

Source: Picture BC

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

a Green Energy Advisory Task Force. It will be Building the strength comprised of leading climate change experts, of rural BC (continued) academics, environmental leaders, government representatives and industry experts, and it As stated in a recent public notice inviting all British will look at how we might maximize our growth Columbians to participate in that process, it will in clean energy at the lowest net impact to our assess our electricity generation and transmission environment. resources in BC that will potentially be developed during the next 30 years, and the most cost-effective As we develop these new forms of green energy, and most probable sequence(s) of development by supported by investments from the new Innovative geographic area. Clean Energy Fund, we will also support new energy solutions in solar, tidal, methane capture from landfills, In conducting that public review, “The Commission and fuel cell technologies. We will support new solar must take into consideration various factors such power solutions that can help remote communities as utility long-term resource plans, domestic load eliminate their dependency on diesel power. We will requirements, export opportunities for clean, renewable create new incentives for homeowners and industrial or low-carbon electricity, and areas in BC that will be property owners, to equip 100,000 solar roofs with inappropriate for development of generation resources, solar water heating and solar photovoltaics by 2020. including but not limited to, parks and protected areas... The Commission must not make determinations A BC Liberal Government will open the first leg of on the merits of specific generation projects or with the Hydrogen Highway in time for the Olympics. We respect to the specific routing or technology of will work in partnership with the Pacific Coast states, transmission projects.” to establish hydrogen fuelling stations that will allow vehicles to travel from BC to Baja, California. This should give all British Columbians the confidence to know that we will develop our potential in run-of- A BC Liberal Government will lead the way in the-river projects and other forms of clean, renewable commercializing the production of cellulosic ethanol energy to meet public needs, in the public interest. and biodiesel, and will actively support our growing expertise in vehicles powered by compressed natural As that process continues over the next several gas and liquefied natural gas. months, a BC Liberal Government will also appoint

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Capitalizing on our unique “Olympic advantage” In 10 months, over three billion people around the world will watch us host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It’s the biggest show on earth, and the largest tourism marketing opportunity on the planet. It will launch both BC and Canada into a 21st century world of opportunity. We will use that unique advantage to leverage new tourism, We will build on this incredible We will all benefit from Olympic- investment, trade and jobs. strategic advantage, in partnership related economic activity before, with the 95 Spirit Committees during and long after the Games. The Olympics has already been that have been established, a major driver of private sector representing over 266 communities Together, British Columbians investment, economic growth and across BC. The Torch Relay alone will showcase their talent, their job creation in BC. They are giving will travel to 266 communities all communities, their culture and our economy a boost. This year across BC. It is estimated that their province to the world. We VANOC alone is spending between about 92 per cent of all British will use this once-in-a-lifetime $3 million and $4 million a day. Columbians will be within a one opportunity to forge new global The Games and related activity are hour drive of the torch relay’s awareness of our amazing estimated to create 244,000 jobs. route. That 106-day journey across tourist attractions, of our world- Just the Games themselves will Canada will start in Victoria, on class amenities and institutions, generate an estimated $4 billion October 30th. Host communities in our diverse population and of worth of direct economic benefit every region of the province will get our burgeoning role as Canada’s that is creating and sustaining jobs to celebrate that Torch Relay’s visit. Pacific Gateway. in every region.

“Fuelled by the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games ... the province will get back on its feet next year. Real GDP will turn around from a 0.1 per cent drop this year to a nation-leading 4.3 per cent gain in 2010.”

Conference Board of Canada, Provincial Outlook – Winter 2009

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Convention Centre Squamish Lil’wat

We are opening up new tourism Opening up offices in key global markets and BC’s potential working with communities to open Carole James up new destination resorts, “circle opposed the in tourism tours,” and stunning facilities, like the new Convention Centres Olympics Since 2001, we have put in place in Penticton and Vancouver, the a strategic plan (see www.gov. refurbished BC Place Stadium that bc.ca/tca) to double tourism will be home to the new Vancouver “I wasn’t a supporter of revenues with related new MLS Whitecaps Soccer Club, and strategies for cultural tourism and the Squamish Lil’wat, Haida and going for the Olympic bid.” Aboriginal tourism. To that end, we Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centres. have more than doubled funding Carole James, Leader of the NDP to the tourism industry and greatly It is why we established the Pulp, Paper & Woodworkers of enhanced regional tourism $150-million BC150 Cultural Fund Canada Annual Convention, March 11, 2004 marketing initiatives. Last year, and are investing $50 million in a tourism generated over $13 new generation Vancouver billion in economic activity – up 35 Art Gallery. Our film, visual, and per cent from 2002. Tourism now musical arts communities help employs over 120,000 workers in define a rich cultural diversity and BC and indirectly supports another vibrancy that always puts BC in a 170,000 jobs. great light internationally.

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com 6. Building on our strategic advantages (continued)

of research. The Michael Smith a quality of life that is second to Investing in Foundation is constantly breaking none. More than 78,000 people innovation, through with new discoveries that work in BC’s art and cultural help people around the world. All sector, which contributes over research and of that has helped leverage over $5 billion each year to our $1 billion in other new research provincial economy. technology and development that has created countless spin-off businesses and The new, $150-million BC150 new jobs. Cultural Fund will give a tremendous boost to that sector, A BC Liberal Government will as has the BC Arts Renaissance strengthen that foundation, Fund, the new Spirit of BC Arts working in partnership with our Fund, and the Cultural Olympiad. leading public research institutes: The refurbished Vancouver East the Michael Smith Foundation, Cultural Centre, the new BC Spirit Genome BC, the BC Innovation Squares, and the Olympic Live Council, the Premier’s Technology Centres across our province all Council, the BC Technology contribute to our cultural diversity. The most critical resource in the Industry Association, Life Sciences The Merritt Mountain Music new knowledge economy is BC, Geosciences BC, and other Festival and the prospect of skilled people. It is human talent, leading edge institutions. The new Canadian Country Music Hall of ingenuity, creativity and discovery Wood Innovation and Design fame all add to the richness of that will ultimately fuel our economy Centre at UNBC and the new our lives. and help keep BC strong. That Pacific Centre for Climate Solutions is why Premier Campbell’s will also help shape that future. Government has invested over Major new investments will be $1.5 billion in advanced research – made in health research at BCIT, more than any other government earth sciences at UBC, and cancer in BC history. research. We have made record funding commitments to the BC Vancouver East Cultural Centre Knowledge Development Fund, From the new Centre for Digital and new research and regional Building Media at Great Northern Way innovation chairs, through the our creative Campus, to the new Northern Leading Edge Endowment Sport Centre in Prince George, or Fund. We have dedicated record economy the incentives now helping our film amounts to advancing cancer industry, we are creating new jobs In the new creative economy, art, research, Alzheimer research, and opportunities. We are adding theatre, culture, sport, design genome and life sciences research, funding for provincial heritage sites, and other creative enterprises are therapeutic drug research, and including Barkerville and Fort Steele. integral components of a thriving climate research. The ICORD We are building on the many technology industry and a vibrant Spinal Research centre, the Brain programs in sport, art and literacy society that can attract and retain Research Centre, Centre for Hip now delivered through Legacies highly skilled workers. People want Health and Mobility and Prostate Now to open up BC’s creative to live, work and invest in British Research Centre are putting our economy, and to build confidence Columbia because they know doctors, scientists and clinical that keeps BC strong. researchers at the leading edge that our creative economy offers

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com Randy Hawes John van Dongen Michael de Jong Dianne St Jacques John Slater Lee Rankin Pat Pimm Blair Lekstrom Bill Barisoff Bernie Hiller Iain Black Dawn Miller Pat Bell Shirley Bond Abbotsford-Mission Abbotsford South Abbotsford West Alberni-Pacific Rim Boundary- Burnaby-Edmonds Peace River North Peace River South Penticton Port Coquitlam Port Moody- Powell River- Prince George- Prince George- Similkameen Coquitlam Sunshine Coast Mackenzie Valemount

Premier Gordon Campbell Harry Bloy Richard Lee John Nuraney Donna Barnett Bruce Ernst John Les Rob Howard Linda Reid John Yap Murray Coell Robin Adair George Abbott Donny van Dyk Scott Groves Vancouver-Point Grey Burnaby Lougheed Burnaby North Burnaby-Deer Lake Cariboo-Chilcotin Cariboo North Chiliwack Richmond Centre Richmond East Richmond Saanich North and Saanich South Shuswap Skeena Stikine Steveston the Islands

Barry Penner Mark McKee Don McRae Douglas Horne Dennis Marsden Cathy Basskin Jeannie Kanakos Wally Oppal Kevin Falcon Jagmohan Singh Rani Mangat Ajay Caleb Stephanie Dave Hayer Radhia Benalia Gordon Hogg Chiliwack-Hope Columbia River- Comox Valley Coquitlam-Burke Coquitlam- Cowichan Valley Delta North Delta South Surrey-Cloverdale Surrey-Fleetwood Surrey-Green Surrey-Newton Cadieux Surrey-Tynehead Surrey Whalley Surrey-White Rock Revelstoke Mountain Maillardville Timbers Surrey-Panorama

Carl Ratsoy Rich Coleman Ella Brown Jody Twa Terry Lake Kevin Krueger Norm Letnick Steve Thomson Dr. Margaret Mary McNeil Kash Heed Syrus Lee Bill Yuen Dr. Moira Stilwell Sherry Wiebe Colin Hansen Esquimalt-Royal Fort Langley- Fraser Nicola Juan de Fuca Kamloops-North Kamloops-South Kelowna-Lake Kelowna-Mission MacDiarmid Vancouver-False Vancouver- Vancouver- Vancouver- Vancouver- Vancouver- Vancouver- Roads Aldergrove Thompson Thompson Country Vancouver-Fairview Creek Fraserview Kensington Kingsway Langara Mount Pleasant Quilchena

Pending nomination: Vancouver-Hastings

Bill Bennett Brenda Binnie Mary Polak Ken Stewart Marc Dalton Jeet Manhas Rob Hutchins John Rustad Laura McDiarmid Eric Foster Dallas Henault Jesse McClinton Ralph Sultan Joan McIntyre Ben Stewart Kootenay East Kootenay West Langley Maple Ridge- Maple Ridge- Nanaimo Nanaimo-North Nechako Lakes Vancouver- Vernon-Monashee Victoria-Beacon Hill Victoria-Swan Lake West Vancouver- West Vancouver- Westside Kelowna Pitt Meadows Mission Cowichan West End Capilano Sea to Sky

Josh Smienk Carole Millar Herb Pond Marion Wright Naomi Yamamoto Jane Thornthwaite Ida Chong Ron Cantelon Nelson Creston New Westminster North Coast North Island North Vancouver- North Vancouver- Oak Bay-Gordon Parksville Qualicom Lonsdale Seymour Head Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 On May 12th, vote for your BC Liberal candidate and help keep BC strong

www.bcliberals.com

Authorized by Jim Pipe, Financial Agent BC Liberal Party. Tel: 604.606.6000, 1.800.567.2257 www.bcliberals.com